Hollywood, FL – The Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) proudly presented a notable donation to HopeKids Arizona during the GAWDA Annual Convention held at the JW Marriott Desert Phoenix Resort. With over 950 attendees in attendance, including 671 full delegates—the highest number since 2007—this year’s convention set new benchmarks in member engagement and generosity.
GAWDA President Gary Halter and his wife, Kathy, presented HopeKids Arizona with a check for $185,235.00 during the Opening General Business Session. The donation, made possible by the overwhelming generosity of GAWDA members, is the largest single contributions HopeKids Arizona has received.
HopeKids Arizona is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing ongoing events, activities, and support for families who have a child with a life-threatening medical condition. These joyful experiences create lasting memories and give hope and strength to families navigating difficult circumstances.
Andrea Lewis, Executive Director of HopeKids Arizona, was present to receive the donation and shared, “WOW! Words can’t even begin to express our gratitude for your extreme generosity. The gift truly left me speechless—this is one of the largest single donations HopeKids Arizona has ever received, and we are so excited about the events this will provide for our HopeKids families.”
GAWDA is grateful for the contributions made by its members. A particular highlight of this year’s campaign was the record generous donation of $44,500 from Eleet Cryogenics, whose Microbulk tank auction contributed 100% of proceeds to GAWDA Gives Back.
“We are so proud of our community of members for their incredible support and generosity,” said GAWDA Executive Director John Ospina. “It’s contributions like these that make a lasting impact on the communities where we hold our conventions.”
For more information about GAWDA and its initiatives, please visit www.gawda.org
About GAWDA
For 80 years, the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) has been dedicated to promoting the safe operation and economic vitality of distributors of industrial gases and related welding equipment supplies. Through its GAWDA Gives Back campaign, association members have donated more than $3 million over the last 24 years to over 21 different charitable organizations in 14 communities across the U.S. Since 2013, GAWDA and its members also have provided scholarships over $430,000 to 133 young people interested in studies leading to careers in the industry. For more information, visit the association’s website at www.gawda.org.